I've seen some amazing prices for ham gear on eBay the past few weeks. This all confirms (in my mind at least) that prices on eBay tend to be cyclical in nature.
This is true at least among the telegraph keys I watch each week. Prices are running at a premium, particularly for auctions ending later in the evenings and on the weekends.
Here's some examples:
1952 Vibroplex Original DeLuxe (chrome plated base). The key was in very good shape, with little corrosion. Sold for $152.50,
1942 Vibroplex Zephyr (fairly rare key identical to Champion but with a narrower base). This key was in great condition and sold for $206. Zephyrs typically sell higher than less common keys, but this one was near the top of the range.
1925 Vibroplex Original (very good shape japanned base with carrying case). I chased this one myself simply because the original pinstriping on the base was almost without any signs of wear. The key brought $265, out of my league, but probably worth it.
E.F. Johnson Speed-X 114-520 bug. This isn't a rare key, but this one was in very good shape. I already own several of these, with two in pristine condition. I was surrprised to see the bidding on this one — a not exactly rare variety — top $100.
1945 Vibroplex Original DeLuxe (World War II Deluxe with special “battleship gray” painted base sted chrome). This key was offered by a fellow in Arizona whom I've bought a number of keys from. He always has some attractive keys for sale, and the WWII Deluxe he had was in very good shape. The fact that it topped $150 surprised me. It was a clean example, but not necessarily rare.
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I have my Kenwood TS-430S on the operating desk to test it out again prior to listing it on eBay. Well … I'm going to try to list it on eBay. I'm not sold yet that I really want to shed myself of the rig. I just love the audio from the receiver; even static crashes sound good through the 430. I'm listening to it now, but haven't taken photos for a listing. I think I'll hold on to it and shed myself of the remaining Yaesu FT-757GXs.
Time to hit the rack, busy day tomorrow.
73 … dit dit ….